Country: Serbia
Closing date: 11 Nov 2019
Background information
The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) mission is to help people build better lives and countries achieve sustainable development. UNOPS provides project management, procurement and infrastructure services to governments, donors and UN organisations. Its services can be advisory, implementation or transactional, with the development of the national capacity always in focus.
UNOPS was the first organisation in the world that was awarded the four most prestigious accreditations in project management, including PRINCE2®, and one of five organisations in the world awarded the Gold Level from the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply. For its approach to project management and consistent quality UNOPS received ISO 9001 certification in 2011.
In Serbia, UNOPS has been active since 2000, became the Project Centre (RSPC) in 2012, and was reclassified, due a growing portfolio, to Operations Centre (RSOC) at the beginning of 2017. Since 2017, RSOC operations have expanded to North Macedonia, Georgia and Montenegro.
UNOPS has been a reliable partner primarily of the Government of Serbia, and later of the Governments of North Macedonia, Georgia and Montenegro, in providing support for demanding socio-economic reforms and facilitating accession to the European Union.
Currently, the RSOC is implementing 14 projects focussed on sustainable socio-economic development, creation of a more favourable environment for employability, business and infrastructure growth, increased security, improved education, enhanced social inclusion either via enabling durable housing solutions or providing access to health, education and jobs for the most vulnerable population. All projects have good governance and gender equality as transversal themes. UNOPS projects are contextualised within the broader Sustainable Development Goals framework and objectives.
Functional Responsibilities
The Project Management Office (PMO) - Associate will, under the supervision, guidance, and in cooperation with the Head of the Programme contribute to consistent implementation of the UNOPS project management method and standards across the Serbia’s Project Office (RSPO) portfolio. The PMO Associate will provide assistance for the project development, set up and closure, support the Project Managers in establishment and or development of project management tools and products, contribute to monitoring and control of RSPO’s projects progress and performance. He or she will provide support to the Head of the Programme and other management personnel in addressing information requests from the Regional Office, HQ, and other UNOPS organisational units. The selected candidate will also play an important role in establishing programme management tools at the level of the Office. Specific duties and responsibilities include:
- Provide assistance to the project developers in design of the Project Initiation Document
- Help with the establishment of the tools envisaged by the UNOPS Project Management Manual (PMM)
- Support the development of high-level programme/project plans
- Contribute to review of status of RSPO projects, while focusing on scope, cost, schedule, quality, and benefit
- Contribute to review of RSPO projects’ implementation of PMM and other requirements
- Support conduct of quarterly assurance functions and other quality assurance and control methods
- Provide routine oversight and analysis of delivery data within the dashboard system, using UNOPS ERP system as required
- Contribute to identification of potential risks and issues specific to delivery forecasts, and suggest mitigating measures to the Head of Programme
- Provide editorial support to programmes and projects, ensuring effective and timely dissemination of reports, in line with project documentation and clients' expectations
- Support collection and compilation of information in response to requests or initiatives from the Regional Office, IPAS, and HQ Teams, as required
- Assist in development of RSPO external reports
- Contribute to establishment of tracking systems and tools to facilitate monitoring of RSPO progress and performance. Regularly update these systems and tools
- Contribute to establishment and maintenance of key management files related to the UNOPS RSPO
- Support the HoP in design and implementation of initiatives that contribute to enhancement of RSPO project management maturity
- Contribute to design and delivery of capacity building activities for RSPO personnel, while focusing on UNOPS project management standards and requirements
- In collaboration with the HoP, engage with PMs and other RSPO personnel in order to identify and share lessons learned and best practices. Establish mechanism to record lessons and best practices and ensure it is maintained
- Contribute to development of stakeholder profiles and assist in development of external communications products
- Provide organisational and administrative support regarding organisation of internal meetings and functions
- Contribute to project closure activities, including but not limited to tasks related to disposal of project assets, final reporting, updating information and or uploading material in the UNOPS systems
- Support PMs in development of closure plans
- Participate in relevant Communities of Practice.
Required Selection Criteria
Education
- Secondary school diploma is required.
- Bachelor or Master degree in project management, development studies, business administration, international relations or related fields is an asset.
Work Experience
- Minimum six years of relevant professional experience in project management support function is required. Bachelor/Master degree may substitute for some years of experience.
- Experience in successful implementation and/or oversight of projects would be an asset.
- Knowledge of project management tools related to stakeholders, risk and issue management, monitoring and reporting, would be an asset.
- Experience with the UN or other international organisation is desirable but not mandatory.
Language Requirements
- Serbian as native language is required
- Fluent knowledge of English is required
Certification
- PRINCE2 Foundation certification is highly desirable.
Core Competencies
Strategic Perspective - Develops and implements sustainable business strategies, thinks long term and externally in order to positively shape the organization. Anticipates and perceives the impact and implications of future decisions and activities on other parts of the organization. (for levels IICA-2, IICA-3, LICA Specialist- 10, LICA Specialist-11, NOC, NOD, P3, P4 and above)
Integrity & Inclusion - Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organizational and ethical norms. Maintains high standards of trustworthiness. Role model for diversity and inclusion.
Leading Self and Others - Acts as a positive role model contributing to the team spirit. Collaborates and supports the development of others. For people managers only: Acts as positive leadership role model, motivates, directs and inspires others to succeed, utilizing appropriate leadership styles.
Partnering - Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on all partners and always puts the end beneficiary first. Builds and maintains strong external relationships and is a competent partner for others (if relevant to the role).
Results Orientation - Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a goal. Actions lead to total task accomplishment through concern for quality in all areas. Sees opportunities and takes the initiative to act on them. Understands that responsible use of resources maximizes our impact on our beneficiaries.
Agility - Open to change and flexible in a fast paced environment. Effectively adapts own approach to suit changing circumstances or requirements. Reflects on experiences and modifies own behaviour. Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursues continuous improvements.
Solution Focused - Evaluates data and courses of action to reach logical, pragmatic decisions. Takes an unbiased, rational approach with calculated risks. Applies innovation and creativity to problem-solving.
Effective Communication - Expresses ideas or facts in a clear, concise and open manner. Communication indicates a consideration for the feelings and needs of others. Actively listens and proactively shares knowledge. Handles conflict effectively, by overcoming differences of opinion and finding common ground.
ALL CANDIDATES ARE REQUESTED TO SUBMIT A CV AND COVER LETTER ALONG WITH THEIR APPLICATION
Contract type, level and duration
This is a local position, it is therefore open to Nationals of Republic of Serbia and to individuals who have a valid residence/work permit.
Contract type: ICA
Contract level: Local ICA 6
Contract duration: Open-ended, subject to organizational requirements, availability of funds and satisfactory performance
For more details about the ICA contractual modality, please follow this link:
https://www.unops.org/english/Opportunities/job-opportunities/what-we-of...
Additional Considerations
- Please note that the closing date is midnight Copenhagen time
- Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
- Only those candidates that are short-listed for interviews will be notified.
- Qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
- UNOPS seeks to reasonably accommodate candidates with special needs, upon request.
- Work life harmonization - UNOPS values its people and recognizes the importance of balancing professional and personal demands. We have a progressive policy on work-life harmonization and offer several flexible working options. This policy applies to UNOPS personnel on all contract types
- For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post
- The incumbent is responsible to abide by security policies, administrative instructions, plans and procedures of the UN Security Management System and that of UNOPS.
It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential recruits/interns.
Recruitment/internship in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.
For more information on UNOPS, please visit the UNOPS website at www.unops.org
How to apply:
Qualified candidates may submit their application, including a Curriculum Vitae and Cover Letter to UNOPS via UNOPS Jobs at following link:
https://jobs.unops.org/Pages/ViewVacancy/VADetails.aspx?id=18722